Fresh finds

 There's something magical about fresh foods; something extra tasty about home and locally grown goods. One of my absolute favorite parts of Oregon summers are the amazing farmer's markets, berry/fruit farms near by, and the humble pots of tomato & basil plants behind our white & rugged picket fence. This week's market find was a gluten free lemon pepper fusilli dried pasta. The two women selling certainly won me over with their sweet southern accents. We paired the flavored pasta with a simple blend of our home grown tomatoes and basil along with what seems to be our favorite ingredient of turkey bacon & voila! A delicious, fresh meal! 

We are looking forward to trying a new flavored pasta next week. 

(After frying the bacon, we used the same pan with extra virgin olive oil & garlic sauteed with the tomatoes)... try it!

 Clam shell pasta bowl c/o Beyond Jordan Studio.

You can find this pasta & more at Pappardelle's Pasta.

Trying new things

Tried my hand at flower gardening last week! I must document this because odds are that by next week, all will be dead. I'm not one to follow directions- this has proven difficult in baking, sewing, vegetable gardening, photography... hmm, okay, everything. Yet, I'm stubborn like my Father and like doing things my own way. It's the creative process that I enjoy. Following directions brings little fun. Maybe it's my pride that gets in the way. However, I'm sure that results would be far different (and far better) if I simply learned from professionals. All this to say, I love Ranunculus and sure love that we have some in our yard. Even if just for a short time.  Next up is our vegetable garden! I learned a bit from last year's tomatoes and hope to have a more successful year.

 

Chestnuts falling from the sky...

Boom... Boom!... Thump!... This is what we have been hearing on our roof all day and night for the past few weeks. If we dare walk in the yard, we must be prepared to cover our heads for protection! These spiky chestnut balls have been falling from the sky; it's rather exciting around here. 

I woke up for work to find that Andrew had gotten off early and was outside collecting these chestnuts. This house is just full of surprises. For the past few weeks, any time we look out the window, there is a good chance that we will find someone in our yard collecting these apparent treasures. Many knocks on the door asking if they can come in our gate to collect, etc. Some people say they have been coming to this tree for the past 20 years! On more than one occasion, we have found someone outside at 6am (in the pitch dark & pouring rain) collecting. Creepy? I think they were more creeped out that we were coming/going at that time. With all of the hype going on in our yard, we figured we were missing something by not collecting these. So, collect he did! 

... He delicately cut and roasted them. This became his little project for the night. He says they were roasted a bit too long (and we later learned that you should wait 3 days before roasting after picking). So, we'll try again soon! I just love seeing him find joy in the little things surrounding us every day. His heart is so gentle, curious, and kind. 

Therapeutic

There's something about potting these little guys that brought me joy. Gardening has been therapeutic for me these past many months. I've got no green thumb- but just the act of getting outside, being in the dirt, and even feeling those rain drops fall on my back as I pull weeds has been nice. I really don't have much to show for the hours I've spent in the yard, but I've enjoyed them none-the-less.  Maybe it was giving these plants a home- maybe it was the bright green they added to our mostly black and white decor, or maybe it was just getting my hands dirty. Whatever it was, I'm thankful for these oxygen-offering friends of ours. I'm not thankful for the 2 dead mice we have discovered in our yard/garage over the past 2 weeks. Not thankful one bit. sickkkkk. Stay away please....

PS- My Dad made these last 2 pictured pots on his pottery wheel! Pretty amazing right? I love them!
PPS- these photos were all taken with my iPhone 4. It's so much more convenient than lugging around my big camera.  With great lighting, I'm always amazed at the quality of the photos I can get with just my iphone.

Flowers & Craft Space

Flowers, flowers, flowers... so many flowers in our yard. I'm loving it. Some that we planted in pots, others that we woke up to one morning- they literally just appear and disappear  (planted by past renters). I had no idea that I would enjoy "gardening" of sorts. Never had an interest in it, never the least bit intrigued- until now. And, I love it! I must clarify though; I'm not sure I would call it true gardening. Yes, there's dirt, gloves, shovels- but nothing like my impressive neighbors who seriously work magic in their yards. It's more like a number of potted plants and veggies here and there and some sprinkled wild flower seeds. It's a start!  PS- I found out one of my flowers (Larkspur) is poisonous! Yikes!

'The earth laughs in flowers.'  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

In other news, I constructed a very rudimentary shelf out of a 2x8 piece of wood and L-brackets. It does the job and cost us less than $10! It was created in mind for my little craft wall in our office. Andrew has generously shared his office space with my craft craziness. It's turned out very well as it feels like we are spending time together while working on our own things in the same room. Unanticipated bonus for sure! I anticipate some changes with this wall (I need a "bill" & mail station), but it's a happy space for now and will do!

 When not at work, running errands, with family or friends... this is where you'll find me! Right where I want to be... Home ;)

Gardening beginnings...

Here is just a small peek at some of the garden-ish/yard things I started yesterday. I look forward to eventually sharing the rest once our seeds begin to grow. I truly have no idea what I'm doing, but a fun experiment indeed! And, a work out! Who knew gardening was a workout!?! 

Props to all of you green-thumbers out there. I'm going to give it my best shot!

 It brings me joy to have a flag hung in my granddad's honor. Flags always remind me of him and his patriotic self. I have such respect for the time he and others served in the military and am proud to hang the stars & stripes on our porch.